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Becoming a PGA Teaching Pro or Certified Instructor?
Hello everyone. I'm new to the site, so this may not be posted in the correct area. I am looking for some professional opinions. I am 41 yrs old and have always loved playing golf. I went to college and graduated with a degree in Turfgrass management and spent several years as an Assistant Superintendent, all the while I wished that I was on the "other side" of the golf business, the Teaching/Professional side. I wanted to be a PGA Teaching professional. Well, mostly out of fear of failing at a major career change, I never persued it, and I am now kicking myself for not taking the plunge. My age is now a big factor, because from what I've seen, if I could find a way to get into the PGA Apprentice program, it would take several years to finally get to be a Head Pro. (From what I've heard, it would take approximately 7-8 yrs?) . If this is true, are there other legitimate avenues to take in becoming a golf instructor. I've searched on-line and found groups like The Professional Golf Teachers Association, or The United States Golf Teachers Federation, which offer courses to become a Certified Instructor. Because of my age I'm wondering if these are options to help reach my goal in a feasible time frame, or are they certifications that mean nothing compared to being a PGA Professional. There are many of these alternate routes, so I'm wondering if one is better than the other, and are some of them just "scams". Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! - Victor
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Re: Becoming a PGA Teaching Pro or Certified Instructor?
I'd like to read about becoming a teaching pro too. I don't think I'll ever become one, but I'm intersted in finding out how protected the business is. One would thing that you can become a teacher, if you can teach skills to some one. And if you can do it well enough, you might get a living from it.
(I'm hoping to find a "niche" on teaching golf). -
Re: Becoming a PGA Teaching Pro or Certified Instructor?
Hi Victor,
You will have to spend at least Three years training, but due to your age and experiance of life, business etc you will get financial backing easier and fastrack once qualified.
First is the P.A.T. if your not scratch or better 'Playing ability test' involves 36 holes in less than 154 shots (I think) about 14 over for two rounds.
Then you need a job as a junior (Slave) unless your lucky enough to find a decent old pro thats gives you the run of the job.
Good Luck, go for it.....
Ian.Comment
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Re: Becoming a PGA Teaching Pro or Certified Instructor?
Hi there,
The WGTF isn't a Micky Mouse outfit. I've looked into it too. I don't wanna sell chocolate in a shop for 3 years. And I don't wanna learn about business and how to run a golf shop. I would want to teach golf.
Unfortunately all that is PGA is that which is recognised the world over. And the PGA don't really like the WGTF because it could take away from them.
The problem would be where nobody has heard of the WGTF and won't use you because you're not PGA.
The WGTF, however, is concentrated more on giving you the knowledge of how to teach the game, and how to go about setting up your own range, or being employed on a range. It's starting to take off in the US, but in the UK and Europe it's a little slower. However there are opportunities out there. One of my mates did it and ended up in Bulgaria teaching for 3 months.
So, with the PGA it takes ages to get qualified and you'll learn plenty of stuff that you don't need to be able to teach. The WGTF is a lot shorter, nowhere near as expensive as the PGA, with top up courses available all the time and there's a fair amount of post-qualification support there, but once you've gone through the process either an opportunity will fall into your lap, or you'll be looking at setting up your own teaching business in an already saturated market with a qualification which, in the eyes of the consumer, pales in comparison to the PGA.
If you want to take the plunge, go with the WGTF and see where it takes you!
Good luck!Comment
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Re: Becoming a PGA Teaching Pro or Certified Instructor?
You could always buy a range, and start teaching, if your good people will use you.
Being a PGA Professional does not mean you are a good teacher.
Ian.Comment
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Re: Becoming a PGA Teaching Pro or Certified Instructor?
Nice idea! If you have a spare £100K-£250K or so!Originally posted by Ian Hancock View Post
That would be perfect.
Note to self; must win lottery.Comment
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Re: Becoming a PGA Teaching Pro or Certified Instructor?
Is this for PGA ?Originally posted by Ian Hancock View Post
ThanksComment
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Re: Becoming a PGA Teaching Pro or Certified Instructor?
Hi GizzaJob,
It would be nice to be a PGA Certified Instructor. Check young graduates are getting work and what is the pay and hours they need to put in. --- and how much work is actual teaching....
I found out that I make more teaching for free than teaching as a golf professional - and I get to play more too.
Ok, I teach only those who really, really, really want to work on their game. And I learn more my self than persons that I try to assist. So I'm not teaching free - I'm getting an opporturnity to learn, and I don't have to pay for it.
My day job is teaching in a college. So I work during off season and play golf during summer.
I hope you will find a best possible solution on how to become a teaching pro. Maybe you can have a go for it by helping a friend as an assistant teacher, and build reputation and go from there?Comment
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Re: Becoming a PGA Teaching Pro or Certified Instructor?
Already done the WGTF . Play off 4, and the PGA guys won't let me compete with them!! So am having to do it when and where I can.Comment
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